Denarius of L. Aemilius M.f. Q.n. Lepidus Paullus, Rome c. 62 BCE

Editor: Here we have a Roman Denarius of L. Aemilius Lepidus Paullus. The silver is worn, showing its age and past use. What can you tell me about this coin? Curator: Well, this denarius isn't just an object of art, but a testament to ancient Roman socio-economic structures. The wear and tear speaks volumes about circulation and its role within labor, trade, and the consumption habits of its time. Editor: So, you're saying the condition reveals more than the imagery? Curator: Precisely! The silver itself, where it was mined, how it was processed, and who controlled its distribution are key questions. By examining the coin’s materiality and creation, we understand the labor and power dynamics of the Roman Republic. Editor: That's a fascinating way to look at it; I never considered the material's journey itself. Curator: It's about more than just the finished product; it’s about the system that produced it.